The Armed Forces have established a court-martial to try 36 military personnel accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The panel was inaugurated on Friday at the Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja, under tight security, with proceedings held behind closed doors and journalists barred from entry. Mobile phone use was also restricted at the venue.
The suspects were transported to the location in a bus from the Army Headquarters Garrison. The Defence Headquarters had earlier confirmed that investigations uncovered the alleged plot involving serving military personnel, promising that those found culpable would face appropriate military judicial processes.
A separate group of six alleged plotters, including a retired major general, a retired naval captain and a serving police inspector, is already facing prosecution before a Federal High Court in Abuja. The court remanded them in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) and scheduled an accelerated hearing for April 27.
The latest development follows repeated assurances from military authorities that any personnel implicated in the scheme would be dealt with according to the Armed Forces Act and relevant service regulations.
Families of some detained officers have previously called for open trials and greater access to their relatives, raising concerns over transparency in the handling of the case.
No details of the specific charges or identities of the 36 accused were released publicly. The closed-door nature of the court-martial aligns with standard military judicial practice for such sensitive matters.
The alleged coup plot has generated significant public interest and debate in Nigeria, with some legal voices questioning the constitutionality of trying serving officers in military courts for certain offences.
The inauguration of the panel underscores the military’s determination to maintain internal discipline and safeguard democratic governance, according to defence sources.
Proceedings are expected to continue in the coming days, though no timeline for a verdict has been announced.
